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much further in the Christian race; nay, who have many times been permitted to put out to sea, and there to surmount all dangers and difficulties, and have as often returned home richly laden. Such has been their experience whilst they depended on their Master as pilot of the vessel; but from self-will and self-confidence, losing sight of his guidance, they have been tempted to believe they were capable of taking the management into their own hands. Thus, though they apprehended both wind and tide. were favourable, and thought nothing could ob-` struct, yet, too late, they have found that not only adverse currents were continually impeding their progress, but also that shoals and hidden rocks rendered their poor bark in danger of total destruction.

Happy, truly happy, is it for that soul, which, having seen its error, is willing, under so humiliating a dispensation, to rest in quiet submission to that divine power, who is full of mercy and long-suffering, and who hears the cries of contrition and abasement.

As has been observed, the way to come at the right use of reason in spiritual matters is by revelation. All may possess it if they make use of the right means. It is a talent given to every one, which he has it in his power to employ ac

ceptably. Reason upon these principles will ever act right, because it has truth for its foundation, and it cannot speak any other language than truth.

Reason stands between the broad and narrow way; is subject both to the light of nature and the light of Christ. If revelation points to the strait gate and narrow way, and the will gives up all the restraints of nature, reason is then illuminated, and thus becomes the handmaid of revelation. Reason is consequently not the light, but that only which receives the light; as it is said, "The spirit of a man is the candle of the 'Lord." No other can light it; and without him it is darkness itself.

If man's will and inclination do not suffer him to strive to enter in at the strait gate and narrow way, he has none to blame but himself: he had the talent; and under all the excuses he may plead, human reason will always be found to have been the leading agent to prevent, not enlightened reason.

Thus, then, the superior glory, excellence, and perfection of man consist in his unity with his Creator; in that principle of divine life which real virtue and true humility draw down from the Father of light, life, and love; by the mind being introduced into the state of a little child;

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Thy will be done" becoming its only desire on earth as in heaven.

Those who thus receive the revelation of the holy Jesus, and set about a Christian life in earnest, will very early find their own weakness; that though they believe this childlike state to be the only means of attaining to true knowledge in divine things, they will also know that they cannot proceed in the Christian warfare without a better help than their own; of which, above all things, they are now desirous. This desire is not like the hankering-after the perishing enjoyments of this world, or a dependence on their own judgement to obtain ease; the love of God being the alone-impelling motive to every act. Here, trials, afflictions, deep probations, and even those temptations which present themselves as truly distressing to the pious mind, are received without repining; although sensible of its own insufficiency to support itself under them by its own efforts or strength. And though it receives earthly favours with thankfulness, yet it is under a degree of fear and trembling; being fully persuaded there is at least equal necessity for caution and watchfulness in the full tide of prosperity, as in seasons of the keenest adversity.

Becoming more and more sensible of its own

weakness, being gradually emptied of every selfish propensity or dependence on any thing earthly, it cries for a Saviour; and is continually led to pray in deep humiliation for his grace to assist. The poor panting child will always find this grace to help him in the needful time, and will feel Christ's promises in Scripture fulfilled in him: Old things will now begin to be done away; behold all things will become new, and all things of God." His faith and experience has by this time taught him, that the highest enjoyment he can possess is the love of God; and that to retain it, all things here below must be subservient.

Thus, daily and hourly experiencing, that of himself he can do nothing rightly for the glory of God; he is reconciled to become a man of sorrows, and to be acquainted with grief, if it be the will of his heavenly Father; he finds that his trials and sufferings here, are to him a sure evidence of the truth of Christ's declarations: "In this world ye shall have tribulation, but in me peace ;" and "that the servant is not greater than his Lord."

Acquiescing in this wise dispensation, not by voluntary acts or works of supererogation, he submits in humble confidence to the cross of Christ, mercifully intended to do away in him

the filth and corruption of human nature, "the dross, and the tin, and the reprobate silver;" in order that he may be made a temple of holiness for the Lord of life and glory to dwell in. And he is more fully confirmed in these dispositions by the continued flow of peace, joy, and love, which he feels as a refreshing stream in the midst of trouble.

How circumspect now are all his proceedings ! Outward reasonings respecting spiritual things are henceforth discarded. A holy solemn silence prevails; gentle aspirations are felt to arise, that nothing carnal may interrupt that union and communion which alone can give divine life to the soul.

If, then, the outward records of Scripture have fully proved themselves to be true, by the accomplishment of various prophecies, more especially respecting the coming of Christ, how much more is the Christian now confirmed in his faith and belief of Scripture revelation! his own experience evidencing it to be the very truth. Against a rock like this "the gates of hell will never be able to prevail."

When a firm faith is thus fixed in Christ, implicit obedience is an act of the highest reason.

If a child thus dedicated obey the divine parent's restraint, which he cannot all at once com.

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